Ergonomic Cane

ABSTRACT

An ergonomic cane comprises at least one finger hole and at least one elongated finger slot disposed within a handle portion. A cane portion projects downwardly from the handle to support a user when in use. In one embodiment, the handle also provides electronic access to media such as radio or mp3 or other audio formats. A storage interface input is provided such as USB or SD card etc. to allow a user to customize their listening experience. In one embodiment a siren is provided to allow a user to activate a very loud sound in case of an emergency. In another embodiment a light is provided to illuminate a selected area while using the cane.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority and herein incorporates by referenceU.S. provisional patent application 61/044,937, filed Apr. 15, 2008.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Walking sticks and canes have been used by humans for thousands ofyears. The first walking sticks were likely branches used to steadytravelers over rough terrain and to help tend animals. Userspersonalized them by carving and selecting special pieces of wood.Exotic materials such as metal, bone and ceramic were also used tocreate walking sticks and canes. Some canes were decorated with jewelsand other ornamental elements.

Another use for canes became apparent when an injury made it difficultfor the injured person to walk. The cane provides support to relievepressure on a weakened leg due to injury or old age. With a cane, theuser uses upper body strength to augment locomotion by gripping a handleportion and selectively using the cane to support some of the user'sweight as they walk. This can be uncomfortable and cause the hand tofatigue during prolonged use. There is a need for a cane that allows auser to comfortably grip the cane.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Other features and advantages of the instant invention will becomeapparent from the following description of the invention which refers tothe accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustration of an ergonomic cane according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a close up side view of a handle portion of an ergonomic caneaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a close up front view of the handle portion shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a close up side view of a handle portion of an ergonomic caneaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a close up side view of a handle portion of an ergonomic caneaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a close up side view of a handle portion of an ergonomic caneaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a close up side view of a handle portion of an ergonomic caneaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a close up side view of a handle portion with a wired earpiece according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a close up side view of a handle portion with a wireless earpiece according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an illustration of an adjustable ergonomic cane according toan embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a close up side view of a handle portion of an ergonomic caneaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a close up side view of a handle portion of an ergonomic caneaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following detailed description of the invention, reference ismade to the drawings in which reference numerals refer to like elements,and which are intended to show by way of illustration specificembodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is understoodthat other embodiments may be utilized and that structural changes maybe made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, an ergonomic cane 100 comprises a handle portion105. A plurality of finger holes, 112, 114, 116 and 118 respectively areprovided to allow a user to insert their fingers in each hole. The useris provided with an ergonomically comfortable grip that provides suresupport. A cane portion 140 is firmly connected to handle portion 105 toprovide contact with the surface. A cap 150 is provided to optimize thegripping power of cane portion 140. Cap 150 may be a rubber cap or otherresilient material as is known in the art. A strap 130 is attached to astrap hole 120 disposed within handle portion 105 and is used to securecane 100 to the hand of the user. A rubber or rubber like material maybe used to coat and insulate handle portion 105 to protect the user'shand from cold and vibration.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, an ergonomic cane handle 205 is shown indetail having four finger holes 212, 214, 216 and 218 respectively. Asdiscussed above, the user places fingers within the holes to provide acomfortable and ergonomic grip. In the embodiment shown, handle 205includes a media player built in to allow the user to listen to audiocontent such as radio or music. A cane portion 240 projects downward toprovide support as discussed above. A speaker 210 may be included.Additionally, an ear piece connector 250 is provided to allow the userto connect an ear piece. Control buttons 225 and 230 are provided tocontrol media player as is known in the art. Additionally, in theembodiment with the radio, button 230 selects the desired frequency.

In one embodiment, a light 245 is mounted within handle 205 to allow theuser to illuminate an area in front of the user. In this embodiment,control button 230 controls light 245. Light 245 is a super bright highoutput white LED as is known in the art. Of course other light sourceswould be acceptable such as incandescent and florescent. Additionally,another button (not shown) may be provided to allow additionalfunctionality. In one embodiment, a siren function is included to allowa user to press button 240 to generate a very loud siren sound that canbe used to scare off an attacker. The sound is generated electronicallyand played on speaker 210.

A USB interface 260 is provided to allow the user to port music or otheraudio to the media player. Additionally, an SD card reader 270 isprovided for additional storage options. Other kinds of card readerinterfaces such as memory sticks, SDHC, etc may be provided to increasefunctionality.

Now referring to FIG. 4, an ergonomic cane 400 is shown having analternate handle portion 405 with a plurality of finger holes 412, 414,416 and 418 respectively provided to provide griping portion asdiscussed above. A cane portion 440 projects downward and a strap 430 isattached to strap hole 420 which is disposed in handle portion 405.

Referring now to FIG. 5, an ergonomic cane 500 is shown having analternate handle portion 505 with a plurality of finger holes 512, 514,516 and 418 respectively provided to provide griping portion asdiscussed above. A cane portion 540 projects downward and a strap 530 isattached to strap hole 520 which is disposed in handle portion 505.

With reference to FIG. 6, an ergonomic cane 600 is shown having analternate handle portion 605 with a plurality of finger holes 612, 614,616 and 618 respectively provided to provide griping portion asdiscussed above. A cane portion 640 projects.

Referring to FIG. 7, an ergonomic cane 700 is shown having an alternatehandle portion 705 with a plurality of finger holes 712, 714, 716 and718 respectively provided to provide griping portion as discussed above.A cane portion 740 projects downward.

Referring now to FIG. 8, an earpiece 810 is provided to allow the userto listen to selected media such as music or radio as discussed above.In the embodiment shown, earpiece 810 is connected to handle portion 205with a wire portion 820 and connector 830 which fits within connector250 disposed within handle portion 205.

Now referring to FIG. 9, a wireless earpiece 910 is provided towirelessly connect 930 with the media player disposed within handleportion 905. A wireless receiver 920 is disposed within handle portion905 to provide connectivity as is known in the art. Connection 930 is aBluetooth connection. Of course other wireless systems are usable aslong as they are suitable for short distance transmission.

Referring now to FIG. 10, an adjustable ergonomic cane 1000 comprises anupper cane portion 1040 that slips around a lower cane portion 1070. Atightening nut 1060 is provided to lock in place once the desired heighthad been selected. A tip portion 1050 is attached to the bottom of lowercane portion 1070.

Referring now to FIG. 11, an ergonomic cane 1100 is shown comprising ahandle portion 1105 with a finger hole 1112 and a multiple finger slot1114. In use, the user placed the pointing finger in finger hole 1112and the rest of the fingers in slot 1114. This provides a sure,ergonomic grip that helps stabilize cane 1100 in use. A cane portion1140 is attached to the bottom of handle portion 1105.

Now referring to FIG. 12, an ergonomic cane 1200 comprises a handleportion 1205 with two finger holes 1212 and 1214 respectively and afinger slot 1216. In use, the user places the first two fingers in holes1212 and 1214 respectively and the remaining two in slot 1216. Again asdiscussed above, the finger holes 1212 and 1214 provide a comfortableand ergonomically correct positioning of the fingers while using thecrane. A cane portion 1240 is attached to the bottom of handle 1205 toprovide the support.

Although the instant invention has been described in relation toparticular embodiments thereof, many other variations and modificationsand other uses will become apparent to those skilled in the art.

1. An ergonomic cane comprising: a handle portion; said handle portionhaving at least one finger hole wherein a user's finger are insertedtherein to provide an ergonomically adapted griping portion; said handleportion having at least one elongated opening adapted to receive atleast two of said user's fingers; a cane portion; said cane portionbeing attached to a bottom portion of said handle portion wherein saidcane portion perpendicularly projects downward to provide a supportfunction when placed in contact with a surface; and a cap portiondisposed on a bottom portion of said cane portion.
 2. The ergonomic caneaccording to claim 1 further comprising an electronic media meansdisposed within said handle portion adapted to provide access toelectronic media.
 3. The ergonomic cane according to claim 2 whereinsaid electronic media means is a radio.
 4. The ergonomic cane accordingto claim 2 wherein said electronic media means is a media player.
 5. Theergonomic cane according to claim 2 wherein said electronic means is analarm.
 6. The ergonomic cane according to claim 2 further comprising aspeaker in electronic communication with said electronic media meanswhereby said user can listen to said electronic media.
 7. The ergonomiccane according to claim 1 further comprising a light producing meansdisposed within said handle portion whereby when activated, a light isproduced to illuminate a selected area.
 8. The ergonomic cane accordingto claim 6 wherein said light producing means is a high output LEDlight.
 9. The ergonomic cane according to claim 6 wherein said lightproducing means is an incandescent light.
 10. The ergonomic caneaccording to claim 6 wherein said light producing means is fluorescentlight.
 11. The ergonomic cane according to claim 2 further comprising anelectronic connector means disposed within said handle portion adaptedto provide connection to an earpiece.
 12. The ergonomic cane accordingto claim 10 wherein said electronic connector means is a wired inputjack.
 13. The ergonomic cane according to claim 10 wherein saidelectronic connector means is a wireless interface.
 14. The ergonomiccane according to claim 10 further comprising an earpiece adapted toconnect to said electronic connector means whereby said user is able tolisten to said electronic media.
 15. The ergonomic cane according toclaim 1 further comprising a resilient material covering at least aportion of said handle portion.
 16. The ergonomic cane according toclaim 2 further comprising an electronic storage interface meanselectrically connected to said electronic media means.
 17. The ergonomiccane according to claim 16 wherein said electronic storage interfacemeans is a USB port.
 18. The ergonomic cane according to claim 16wherein said electronic storage interface means is a SD card.
 19. Theergonomic cane according to claim 16 wherein said electronic storageinterface means is storage card.
 20. An ergonomic cane comprising: ahandle portion; said handle portion having four finger holes whereineach one of a user's finger are insertable therein adapted to provide anergonomic griping portion; a cane portion; said cane portion beingattached to a bottom portion of said handle portion wherein said caneportion perpendicularly projects downward to provide a support functionwhen placed in contact with a surface; and a cap portion disposed on abottom portion of said cane portion.